Essential Shopping Tips For Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches, you want to make sure that you can get the best deals that you can. There's more to this than just beating the crowds – you should think ahead and make strategic choices before you even spend a penny. This guide will outline some of the ways you can make the most out of one of the biggest sales of the year.
Prepare Before You Shop
There are plenty of things that you can do before you even set foot in a store. Make lists of items that you want to buy, and look up prices and availability online. Most retail outlets display their in-store items on their website. If you're buying gifts for other people, ask them to make wish lists – or share your own wish list with other people.
Pay Attention to Prices
Black Friday may have some of the best sales of the year, but that doesn't mean that every single item is actually a good deal. An item may be overpriced even if a store is promoting it. In addition to comparing prices beforehand, you can also compare prices while you shop by using apps and in-store WiFi. Be aware that you might not be able to price match: many stores suspend their competitive pricing policies on Black Friday.
Use the Internet
If you do your shopping online, you may never even have to go to the store. You won't find gatecrasher deals this way, but you can still find excellent discounts on lots of items. Use price comparison sites like Google Shopping to find the best deals with just a few clicks. You can also visit sites like Groupon to get discounts on some items. Additionally, site memberships like Amazon Prime can offer further discounts.
Look Closely at Return Policies
Retailers may change their return policies during Black Friday, giving you fewer opportunities to return items that you buy. Some stores may extend return periods, while other stores will reduce them. You may be able to get a longer return period if you ask for a gift receipt. Keep in mind that many stores sell items with a “all-sales-final” policy, especially if those items are in high demand.Avoid The Crowds
Unless you intend to buy a gatecrasher item, you don't have to line up on the sidewalk to get a great deal. You can still find excellent items even if you avoid peak shopping times and locations. Skip major chains in favor of smaller outlets, which sell many of the same items at low prices, but have less foot traffic. You can always try for early morning deals, but many stores will offer late-night deals as well. Last but not least, visit stores a few days in advance: you may be able to get deals even before Black Friday officially begins.